Bedford Borough is located 35 minutes to the north of London by train and consists of the towns of Bedford and Kempston as well as 44 rural parishes in the surrounding area. Bedford Borough Council works to meet the needs and improve the lives of over 157,000 residents, local businesses and visitors to the area. As a unitary authority we deliver key local services including education, road and footway improvements, libraries and parks as well as care and support for the most vulnerable in our vibrant and diverse community. We have a Directly Elected Mayor and 40 Councillors who work closely with our strong senior management team to make the Borough a better place to live, work and visit. We are based at Borough Hall, in the heart of Bedford Town Centre on the banks of the River Great Ouse.